Reward in Pelican Mutilation Doubles to $20,000

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Reward in Pelican Mutilation Doubles to $20,000

The reward for information leading to anyone involved in the attack in Long Beach of a brown pelican that left it unable to feed for days because of a slashed pouch has climbed to $10,000.

International Bird Rescue, which is caring for the pelican at its Los Angeles center in San Pedro, announced the new reward Monday. The California-based Animal Legal Defense Fund and private donors contributed to the larger offer, the rescue said.

The organization’s website continues to garner comments of support for the male bird’s recovery, as well as outrage at the injury, which left her flopping on Ocean Boulevard April 16 before a bystander alerted Long Beach Animal Control.

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the vicious attack of a California Brown Pelican doubled on Thursday to $20,000.

The bird, nicknamed “Pink,” was discovered by a passerby on Ocean Boulevard in Long Beach on April 16 with his pouch severed from his bill.

The extent and nature of the wound was “consistent with a human-caused injury with an unidentified sharp object,” according to a news release from the International Bird Rescue.

The organization said Pink had undergone two surgeries in the past five days to repair the injury, which had prevented the bird from eating.

A $5,000 donation was also announced Thursday from the Port of Long Beach to help cover the cost of Pink’s continuing medical care, the release stated.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was seeking information on this federal crime, which is punishable by a fine of up to $15,000 and a jail sentence of up to six months.

“Enough is enough,” said Jay Holcomb, Executive Director of International Bird Rescue. “Far too often, we see victims of senseless cruelty at the hands of people who are never punished. We are thankful for the support of an anonymous donor to bring further attention to this horrifying case, and grateful for the Port of Long Beach’s support of Pink’s long-term care.”

Anyone with information in the case was urged to contact USFWS at 310-328-1516.